Charles Johnson attended Hawkinsville High School in Hawkinsville, Georgia where he played football and basketball. Charles was a forward on the basketball team where he earned all-area and honorable mention all-state honors as a junior. As a senior on the football team, Charles totaled 16 sacks and an interception he returned 83 yards for a touchdown, leading the team to a state championship. He earned all-state honors and was named regional player of the year for his play as a senior. Charles accepted a scholarship to the University of Georgia where he saw action in 9 games as a true freshman, finishing the season with 6 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Following spring drills prior to his sophomore season, Charles was named the team’s most improved defensive lineman. He went on to see action in all 13 games that season, totaling 23 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble as Georgia finished with a 10-3 record and a conference championship. The following spring Charles was named the team’s best all-around defensive player. He started all 13 games at defensive end, setting career highs in tackles (44), sacks (9 ½), and forced fumbles (3). He was named second team all-SEC at the conclusion of the season. Charles still has another year of eligibility left; however, he has opted to skip his senior season to enter the 2007 NFL draft.

Charles Johnson has experience against top competition having started at defensive end for the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC. He has a good combination of size, strength, and athleticism for a defensive end. He is an excellent run defender. He is strong at the point of attack and does a good job of getting leverage on his opponents. His size and strength allow him to effectively shed blocks of opposing offensive linemen. He has improved as a pass rusher over the past couple years but he still could get better. He may never be an elite pass rusher at the next level. Though he has good bulk and could get bigger in the future, Charles lacks prototypical height for an NFL defensive end. He really only has one full season as a starter under his belt. He is still a bit raw and would’ve benefited from staying in school for another year. Charles Johnson is a good all-around defensive end who can stop the run and still get after the quarterback. He should start early on and play for a long time in the NFL. In a strong year for defensive ends, Johnson should be a late first to early second round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.